Brilliant bright display inspired by the imagination of Benjamin Franklin

CREDIT: J. Fusco for Historic Philadelphia

November 9 - December 31, 2017
The annual Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show makes the park twinkle with free light shows atop its fountain every 30 minutes between 4 and 8 p.m. on weeknights and 4 and 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Among the 50,000 bulbs set to music is a giant, illuminated kite. Other festivities include #FranklinSquareFridays; Saturdays with Santa; Seasonal Sounds on Sundays; rides on the holiday train and carousel; comfort foods, local brews and hot beverages in a warm, tented beer garden; and mini-golf. The grand finale comes during the Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown and Dance Party, a family-friendly celebration at 6 p.m. — with a view of the 6 p.m. SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront show.

Yuletide Cheers and Beers

Experience a taste of Colonial tavern life

CREDIT: J. Fusco for Historic Philadelphia

November 16 - December 28, 2017
A little history, a little beer and a lot of fun are served up when a Redcoat soldier recalls life in British-occupied Philadelphia in 1777 while guiding the over-21 crowd through four cozy pubs in two hours. Winter brews, festive libations and delicious snacks are included in the holiday-time-only ticket.

Illuminated Liberty at the Museum of the American Revolution

CREDIT: J. Fusco for MAR

November 30 - December 31, 2017
The District’s newest addition inaugurates its first holiday season with Illuminating Liberty. Colorful illuminations based on those by eminent Revolutionary-era Philadelphia artist Charles Willson Peale will fill the Museum’s sidewalk-level windows. On November 30, the Museum will officially kick off holiday season in the Museum’s Cross Keys Café by offering seasonal treats such as Shane’s Hot Cocoa and hot cocktails. In addition, the gift shop will remain open for holiday shopping, and visitors will be able to try on Revolutionary-inspired clothing and design their own decorative window illuminations.

Holidays at the Independence Visitor Center

November 24 - December 30, 2017 (select dates)
’Tis the season for the District’s information station to extend its hours until 7 p.m. and bring in colonial re-enactors to mingle with guests from November 24 to 25 and December 26 to 30. Also for a limited time: winter storytelling and colonial carolers (November 24 to 25, December 21 to 23 and 28 to 30).

Making Christmas Pop-Up Exhibit at Elfreth's Alley

November 25 - December 21, 2017 (select dates)
The nation’s oldest continuously inhabited street tells the story of Christmas in America with Making Christmas, an exhibit retelling how 18th-century German immigrants brought over the folk traditions and customs (Santa Claus, toys, cookies and that tannebaum) that transformed December 25 into the holiday that it is today.

Old City District Tree Lighting

CREDIT: M. Fischetti at Visit Philadelphia

November 30, 2017
The Betsy Ross House courtyard hosts the Old City District Tree Lighting on Thursday, November 30, 2017, complete with carolers, a performance from the Philadelphia Youth Ballet, seasonal drinks and snacks from Fezziwig's Sweet Shoppe and an appearance by Betsy Ross herself. Stick around for $1 off admission to the Betsy Ross House until 8 p.m.

Historic Holiday Nights

CREDIT: G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia

November 30 & December 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2017
Five festive Thursday evenings become Historic Holiday Nights, when all of Old City will stay up late. Shops sell their wares until 8 p.m.; restaurants offer holiday specials, and the courtyard of the historic Betsy Ross House Courtyard will offer live entertainment, snacks and more (5 to 8 p.m.)

Snowflake Shuttle Powered by PHLASH

CREDIT: M. Edlow for IVCC

November 30 - December 30, 2017 (Thursdays through Saturdays)
Getting around the District is even easier Thursdays through Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m., when a dedicated, decked-out Snowflake Shuttle powered by PHLASH loops the neighborhood, picking up and dropping off riders free of charge. The six-stop, 17-minute route includes Franklin Square, the Museum of the American Revolution, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 3rd and Market streets, Elfreth’s Alley and the Betsy Ross House.

Six stops in the Historic District including Franklin Square
200 N. 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Tree Lighting

CREDIT: J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

December 1, 2017
The popular Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the Delaware River Waterfront goes all out in lighting its spectacular live tree on December 1, which includes a fireworks show at the end of the night.

Deck The Alley at Elfreth's Alley

CREDIT: R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

December 2, 2017
On December 2, Alley residents welcome the public to tour their 18th- and 19th-century homes during the popular ticketed event Deck the Alley. The festive afternoon includes carolers, refreshments, appearances by a 19th-century Santa Claus and Benjamin Franklin — not to mention rare access to most of the private homes.

The Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent

New and improved history near Independence Hall

CREDIT: M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

December 9, 2017; December 26, 2017 - January 2, 2018
This city-centric museum hosts the Golden Age of Retail, a cocktail party and pop-up exhibition of artifacts from classic department stores John Wanamaker, Gimbels and Strawbridge & Clothier, along with vintage ornaments and 19th-century cards. During winter break (December 26, 2017 - January 2, 2018), the museum offers the gift of pay-what-you-wish admission.

Free Museum Day at the National Museum of American Jewish History

Preserving and interpreting the American Jewish experience

CREDIT: G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia

December 1, 2017
As part of the Philly Holiday Festival, several museums are welcoming guests inside free of charge this holiday season. On December 1, the National Museum of American Jewish History participates in Free Museum Day, inviting those of all ages to explore exhibitions that detail a more than 360-year history of Jews in America.

Free Museum Day at the National Liberty Museum

Honoring real-life heroes and our heritage of freedom

CREDIT: J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

December 9, 2017
On December 9, the Philly Holiday Festival's Free Museum Day program heads to the National Liberty Museum, where visitors can discover the story of real-life heroes, including Jackie Robinson, Nelson Mandela, Jim Henson and 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai through the museum’s interactive exhibitions and inspirational galleries, free of admission.

Kwanzaa Celebration at the African American Museum in Philadelphia

CREDIT: A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia

December 27-30, 2017
The museum’s Kwanzaa Celebration includes four days of celebrating the First Fruits of the Harvest. Workshops, discussions, film screenings and performances demonstrate the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa, and each day’s craft activity is dedicated to a single principle: self-determination (Day 1), working together (Day 2) and supporting each other (Day 3). On the final day, a candle-lighting ceremony demonstrates the principle of purpose — and acclaimed magician Ran’D Shine puts on a show.

SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront

Ring in the New Year with two fireworks shows on the Delaware River Waterfront

CREDIT: M. Stanley for DRWC

December 31, 2017
The SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront features two major pyrotechnics displays over the Delaware River—one at 6 p.m. and another at midnight. The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest gets in on the action too with entertainment, favors, outdoor seating and great views of the fireworks.